UK-Based Prestigious Durham School Opens International Academy in Nairobi

UK-based independent boarding and day school, Durham School has become the latest international school to enter the Kenyan market.

Durham, one of the oldest schools in Britain, on Tuesday announced it has launched an international academy in Nairobi. 

The 600-year-old institution said it will offer British Curriculum starting with nursery entry (ages two to six) from January 2021.

“We look forward to welcoming a diverse community of children with a range of cultural, and educational backgrounds, languages, talents and abilities to our brand new school in January 2021,” said Sue Small, Headteacher-elect of the school.

The school located in the leafy suburb of Thigiri joins a growing list of foreign institutions that have invested in private education in Kenya.

The school targets children of wealthy Kenyans as well as expatriates working for multinationals, foreign governments and global institutions in Kenya.

Reacting to the opening of the school, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, said: “As a former student of History at Durham University, I am delighted Durham will be opening a school in Nairobi in January 2021.”

“Education links are a key part of the UK and Kenya’s relationship, and it’s fantastic to see Durham School being the first British school to open a branch in East Africa,” she added.

Other international schools operating in Kenya include German School, International School of Kenya, Potterhouse School, Braeburn, Rosslyn Academy, Sabis, Greensteds, Brookhouse, Kenton and St Andrews Turi.

These schools’ annual fees range from Sh200,000 to Sh600,000 for day scholars and up to Sh1.7 million for boarders.